LEWISBURG, PA--On Saturday, September 21 at 9:30 a.m., families
gathered in Lewisburg right off of Rt. 45 at the Buffalo Valley
Rail Trail to run the this years rendition of the Tails
to Trails 5K Fun Run/Walk. The event was held by the Buffalo
Valley Recreation Authority, and is one of the few races of its
kind for both humans and their four-legged companions. Parking
was free and was located at Brookpark Farm. In fact, parking
and registration were both simple and easy to find, with large
signs pointing to the right area easily visible before turning
off of Rt. 45, which is always a huge benefit to participants.
Online registration was free for humans, but $7 per dog, with
a multiple-dog discount available. Those who didnt register
until after September 12, or waited until the day of the event,
were charged $12 per dog. Participants received some goodies
at the end.

This unique 5K fun run had its turnaround located approximately
at the halfway point on the Rail Trail. A sign shaped like a
dog bone was placed to greet the runners and let them know they
were halfway to their goal of finishing. Bowls of water were
also located at the turnaround in case the dogs needed to drink
and refuel.

Since the 5K was a fun run, most runners and walkers of the
event were not particularly concerned with running or walking
the best times, but were looking to just have a good day with
their dogs and others. Race times, I was told, would not be posted
online, however first place did go to David Brungard and his
dog, Chester, who finished in a time of 21:21.

As the participants took to the trail with a cloudy overcast
and a temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit, I had an opportunity
to speak with Elizabeth Stuelke, who is the Program Director
of the Buffalo Valley Recreation Authority. She had this to share
with me, This is the third year for the Tails to Trails
5K, and it is growing each year. Its just a fun way to
get people out on the trail with their dogs. A big part of the
community has dogs, and this race really encourages them to get
out on the trail with their animals. Its just a whole lot
of fun. She also added, Were always interested
to hear what people have to say. We want to know what else they
would like to see in regard to future dog events, and even trail
events. Just last Saturday we held Doggy Dips at
the Lewisburg Community Pool. Dogs got the chance to play, run
free, and swim around a bit.

SECOND WOMAN ANGELA
JANKOVIAK WITH HER
DOG NALA.
JACOB TANNER PHOTO

David Brungard, who finished in first place with his
dog Chester, said that his dog was still energetic at the end
and excited to see the woman they were with. I was impressed
by how well behaved his dog was. A young boy named Lawson and
his dog, Hildey, who came to the event with the boys mother,
were one of the first teams to finish. He said, I liked
the race and I had fun. We were in third place until Hildey had
to stop. His mother was of course proud of her son for
running the race and being a very good dog owner.

Angela Jankoviak ran with her dog, Nala, and was another of
one of the first teams to finish the race. She told me, I
loved the race, it was great. I did it last year too. She
then pointed at her dog and said, She sprints in the beginning,
but by the end shes dragging along. But she has a lot of
fun here too. I will definitely be back again, and will recommend
this race to others.
Runner Gazettes own Freddi Carlip of Lewisburg helped out
during the race, and was the sweeper. She explained,
I was the one that brought up the rear and it took a while
to get back. I made sure that the dogs and their companions stayed
safe on the course. Thankfully, there were no problems. Some
dogs, though, needed to take beaks and rest, as their owners
enjoyed the beauty of the Rail Trail and its surroundings. Everyone
(human and canine) made it back to the finish line safely.

The event was sponsored by Brookpark Pet Supply and Warrior
Run Pet Care Center, while a special thanks went out to Knittle
& Frey for their sponsorship. Proceeds benefited Sun P.E.T.S.
and the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail. If you are interested in running
future races on the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail or you wish to
make some suggestions then head on over to www.bvrec.org for
further information.